FHA Primary Residence meanings

[Robert Fullum]

I've been digging through searches and docs online and i can't find a straightforward answer. I'm trying to determine what constitutes a Primary Residence for an FHA. Most things merely say something to the effect of "live in a majority of the year." Simple enough.

On a base level the math is easy. Half the year is: 365/2 = 182.5 -- 183 days is a majority. I can split my time between two locations if i spend 183 days in the FHA property.

My wife is a teacher. Suppose we wanted to spend her summer vacation traveling, say, 6 weeks. Are those 42 days traveling applicable to my primary location? Do i just have to put in more days in my primary than my secondary, regardless of the number?

The reason i ask is because i would love to buy a 4 unit in Portland, OR using an FHA as my first property. But, also spend time in NYC where our families are. I also want to travel more. Trying to figure out exactly how much time i need to be physically present so as not to commit fraud or lose the loan.

[Dave Foster]

@Robert Fullum, The rules were designed at a very different time when travel was not as easy, the world was much bigger, and home was easily defined.

Actual days are one test.  The mirror is also your test along with questions like

1. Where are you registered to vote?

2. What does your drivers license say?

3. What house have you "homesteaded" for property tax advantage?

4. What address is on your IRS return?

5. Where are your doctors?

6. Where is your place of employment?

It could be worse.  In Monaco they monitor electrical usage to make sure you reside the minimum number of days.